Page 183 of 496

1834-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■ Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation (vehicles with rain-sensing
windshield wipers)
With low speed windshield wiper operat ion selected, wiper operation will be
switched from low speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle
is stationary.
■ Raindrop sensor (vehicles with ra in-sensing windshield wipers)
● If the wiper is turned to AUTO mode while the engine switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is acti-
vated.
● If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194°F (90°C) or higher, or
14°F (-10°C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case,
operate the wipers in any mode other than AUTO mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir. ●The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.
Page 184 of 496

1844-3. Operating the lights and wipers
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windsh ield wipers in AUTO mode (vehi-
cles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fin-
gers or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
■ Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged\
.
Page 187 of 496
1874-4. Refueling
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
With the doors unlocked, press
the center of the rear edge of
the fuel filler door.
Push until you hear a click and take
your hand away to slightly open the
fuel filler door. Then open the door
fully by hand.
Turn the fuel tank cap slowly to
open.
Hang the fuel tank cap on the
back of the fuel filler door.
Opening the fuel tank cap
1
2
3
Page 189 of 496
1894-4. Refueling
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
After refueling, turn the fuel
tank cap until you hear a click.
Once the cap is released, it will
turn slightly in the opposite
direction.
Close the fuel filler door, and
press the center of the rear
edge of the fuel filler door until
you hear a click.
When you lock the doors, the fuel
filler door will lock also.
■Fuel filler door lock condition
The fuel filler door may not be locked even when the vehicle’s doors are
locked in the following conditions:
●When operating the door lock button inside the vehicle
● When the automatic door locking system is operated ( P. 111 )
● When the fuel filler door is closed after the vehicle’s doors are locked
Closing the fuel tank cap
1
2
CAUTION
■ When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap designed for your
vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in
death or serious injury.
Page 208 of 496
2084-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
CAUTION
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function
effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
● Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction.
If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by a Toyota dealer.
● Do not disassemble the sensor.
● Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
● Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
● Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.
Page 212 of 496
2124-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing the switch to
turn the system off may make it eas ier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on and message will
be shown on the multi-information
display.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system
Page 213 of 496

2134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
■Turning off both TRAC/VSC systems
To turn the TRAC/VSC systems off, press and hold the switch for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF and “TRAC OFF” indica tor lights will come on and the mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the systems back on.
■ When the message is displayed on th e multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disabled and “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes
on even if the TRAC/VSC OFF switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
systems
● A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
● Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■ EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automati-
cally reactivated in the following situations:
● When the engine switch is turned off
● If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic reactivation
will not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
Page 214 of 496

2144-5. Using the driving support systems
AVALON (U)_(OM41440U)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC may not operat e effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■ When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■ When the TRAC/VSC syst ems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.